The New England Patriots are parting ways with 2012 2nd round safety Tavon Wilson, who is set to be a free agent.
Source: DB Tavon Wilson moving on from Patriots after 4 seasons https://t.co/dBhcHW37nH via @WEEI
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) March 9, 2016
Wilson was the 48th overall pick in the draft and was a complete head scratcher for everyone involved. The Illinois graduate was a capable free safety, strong safety, and slot corner, but he didn't excel at any of those roles and could quite manage the Patriots defense.
After an involved rookie season, Wilson made the same mistake twice in the same loss against the Seahawks, and he hasn't been heard from again.
Wilson was picked ahead of some valuable players like Chargers DT Kendall Reyes (49th), Buccaneers B Lavonte David (58th), Eagles DL Vinny Curry (59th), Raiders (nee Ravens) OL Kelechi Osemele (60th), Packers FA CB Casey Hayward (62nd), Giants FA WR Rueben Randle (63rd), Colts TE Dwayne Allen (64th), and Rams CB Trumaine Johnson (65th).
Wilson was, hopefully, the last in a string of disappointing second round picks that included CB Terrence Wheatley (2008), CB Darius Butler and DT Ron Brace (2009), ED Jermaine Cunningham (2010), and CB Ras-I Dowling (2011). Fingers crossed for WR Aaron Dobson (2013). 2015 2nd round safety Jordan Richards has passed Wilson in the depth charts.
The Patriots had been holding on to the Wilson relationship in case a deal with special teamer Nate Ebner couldn't come to fruition. It is likely that Ebner's agent shopped him around the market during the legal tampering period and brought an acceptable number back to the Patriots.